For several years we have speculated about India’s foreign policy agenda – fuelled by its multi-alignment strategy – where does India stand, ask many western commentators.
But just quietly India has gradually revealed its priority.
Of course, part of this is a response to China – a country which shares contested borders with India.
Many western leaders hoped to “bring India into the fold”, becoming an alliance partner of the USA and others in the west.
But India has made its own choices.
New Delhi plays an active role in multiple organisations – the QUAD (Japan, USA, Australia and India), the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and remains in these in part to prevent China dominating.
But the “Global South” is now a top priority for Delhi.
India is building a unique bond between the developed and the developing world of the “Global South”. India alone can help the west engage and truly contribute to economic development in the region. For the USA, India can help Washington as it struggles to define and commit to the “Global South”.
It’s an exciting vision, put together by Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar.
This “Global South” vision of India does not stop its connections with the west – which remains an important source of technology and capital for India’s growth. It is a great balancing act by the Indian Government.
Since Australia shares its future with many of these “Global South” countries, where can Australia support India in this emerging vision?
Read a more detailed Lowy Institute analysis of India and “Global South” here:
Into India 